Status of the Brushtail Possum in New Zealand - Cites Report

The purpose of this document is to confirm that the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is not a species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and is not protected in any way under New Zealand law.

This animal was introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1858, in an effort to establish a fur trade. Since their introduction, Brushtail Possums have progressively multiplied in numbers, achieving a total population now estimated at approximately 70 million animals. They are universally viewed as a pest throughout the country, have spread to, and now inhabit all areas of native forest, causing extensive damage to a wide variety of forest plants and many species of native wildlife.

Any commercial exploitation of this animal within New Zealand is viewed as contributing towards their eradication and accordingly, all exports of carcasses, skins or other by-products of Brushtail Possum originating from this country is in full accordance with the laws of New Zealand.

CITES Officer
Department Of Conservation
for Director-General of Conservation
Auckland Conservancy